Real Madrid could end up signing 28-year-old Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a permanent basis next summer.
According to a report by Sport, Real Madrid could sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on a permanent basis next summer. The 28-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper is currently on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu, and they have deemed €18 million as the ideal amount to make his move permanent.
The Spanish giants had no plans to add another goalkeeper to their ranks in the recently-concluded transfer window. They were quite happy with the shot-stoppers they had. But, an unfortunate injury to their star Thibaut Courtois changed things up.
The Belgian international suffered a long-term injury which forced Real Madrid to look for a goalkeeper. They wanted to add someone on loan and decided to bring in Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. While the Blues had acquired his services for a record fee of €80 million, the 28-year-old was no longer in their plans.
He was exceptional in the initial years of his Chelsea career, but things started going downhill of late. As a result, they were ready to let him leave and ended up accepting Real Madrid’s straightforward loan proposal. The Spanish international has already featured in two matches for the team in white and he has also kept a clean sheet in one of them.
The 28-year-old is looking to leave a mark with an impressive performance in the next few months as he wants to secure a permanent move to Real Madrid. While there is no buy option/obligation in Kepa’s loan move, there is a possibility of Los Blancos signing him on a permanent basis.
Real Madrid backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s contract runs out next summer. And, he is unlikely to renew it. As a result, the Merengues will have to sign a goalkeeper to provide cover to Courtois who will be restored as the number one as soon as he returns from injury.
Also Read: Real Madrid Summer Transfer Window Verdict 2023
Kepa Arrizabalaga could thus be a great option to have. But, it will depend on his performances over the next few months as well as Chelsea, who will look for around €25 million. Meanwhile, the report states that if Real Madrid decide to sign him, they are willing to pay €18 million for his services.
